The coronavirus crisis has provided refugees and winegrowers in southwest France with an unusual opportunity: potential jobs for unemployed migrants and a brand new workforce for farmers facing a shortage of seasonal workers. The association Ovale Citoyen is behind the initiative.
With the French health services overwhelmed during the coronavirus crisis, dozens of refugees and asylum seekers with medical expertise in their home countries are ready to volunteer their services as a gesture of "gratitude." However, most are still waiting for a chance to help.
While the COVID-19 crisis continues to take its toll, 12 Syrian refugee families in Alençon, France, joined forces to cook meals for healthcare workers. It’s one of several initiatives launched across the country to feed vulnerable groups and frontline workers risking their lives during the public health crisis.
Some migrants evacuated from the Aubervilliers camp in Paris tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Nonetheless, they were accommodated in sporting halls and other large-surface facilities where social distancing is near impossible. Doctors without Borders (MSF) explained to InfoMigrants how is it is trying to help the most vulnerable during these times.
In Calais a vast operation has been announced to shelter migrants on a voluntary basis in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus. But many migrants hoping to reach England fear being trapped in uncertain conditions far from the city.
Several migrant aid groups have called for the immediate release of around 900 migrants who are currently being held in French detention centers. Conditions in the facilities are completely at odds with the government’s new guidelines to try to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus, the groups said in a statement.
Due to the nationwide lockdown in France, some administrative services are suspended and some exceptional measures have been put in place. InfoMigrants takes a look at services dealing with the rights of foreigners.
The new agreement between Italy and the Libyan coastguard came into effect on Sunday for a period of three years. Backed by the European Union, it will continue to provide financial assistance for Libya to train the Libyan coastguard for migrant rescue operations.
In Greece, a list of 12 'safe countries' intended to facilitate the processing of asylum applications is causing concern among NGOs. According to refugee rights activists, the document eliminates country-specific nuances and endangers some asylum seekers, especially gay and transgender people.
Omar, which is not his real name, is from Sudan. When he told his story to InfoMigrants French, he was in an administrative detention center CRA in Rennes, on the point of being expelled. Here the 25-year-old recounts his migratory journey, which was marred by violence and betrayal.
In 2019, the online information site "Black Post" was set up in Italy. Staffed by immigrants, its aim is to tackle the subject of migration in a clear and humanizing fashion. The site focuses on bringing migrants' personal stories to their audience.
Last month, France removed the cash withdrawal function from the ADA card - a special card reserved for asylum seekers in France – and transformed it into an “electronic-payment-only” card. The change has had a huge impact on the card’s users, who say they now struggle to pay for the most basic necessities, and many struggle to pay their rents.